Tablescapes, A Sea of Texture

This is a huge challenge for me because normally everything I do is full of color~

We are allowed to use one accent color, but I decided to stay with all neutrals and try to achieve drama and impact by an array of textures

A woven runner placed down the table center helps unify all the varied elements, an eclectic mix of new and old

A layered a square dark rattan charger and a round white wooden charger with a pewter plate under a glass candlestick full of white sea shells

Places were set on a creamy open weave mat, topped with a square silver charger, placed on the diagonal. Franciscan china white dinner plate, with embossed pineapples and a platinum edge, a pewter salad plate, and a Franciscan butter plate, silver Gorham “Medici” flatware, and Waterford cut crystal goblets.

A starched, crisp white linen napkin point is tucked under the salad plate

The natural elements contrast with the elegance of the formal china and crystal

the shells are a nod to the summer season

I love to use candlesticks for surprises other than candles

A silver charger embellished with shells is the base for the large hurricane candle in the table center, and is flanked by tall pewter candlesticks, and shorter Arthur Court candle holders

And a dark rattan basket holds loaves of crusty bread, another contrast to the formal setting to keep things warm and interesting

The dark wood of the table and the black accents on the chairs and china cabinet help to make this setting dramatic

In the absence of bright colors, the eye finds a whole new palette of color, subtle yellows, pink tones, grays and browns~

After dinner, things will return to normal in the dining room, and the centerpiece will stay in place for several weeks

But something about this is already bothering me….

Ahhh, yes, much better!

That looks more like me!

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Notes:

The china, pewter plates, crystal, and flatware are from my wedding registry so many years ago. I still love it, and it makes regular appearances at our table. The other elements have made their way to my china closet over the years, the only things that have been purchased within the last year are the 2 square shell edged mats {World Market} and the pink ruffled mat {Pier 1}.

When I don’t need all 10 chairs in the dining room, you will find 4 at the smaller round table in the foyer, and I often swap the dusty pink floral upholstered chairs with the black accented wood side chairs back and forth between the 2 spaces.

Love your switcheroo with your chairs Jenna, how fun you can do that! The light steaming in on your table is beautiful, I how it highlights the texture of the placemats, runner and reflecting off your crystal.Your shells are beautiful introduced to the table, including your herb shell butter pats!

Love your silver and texture! The silver charger turned at an angle is the perfect basis for your place setting and I have these and will use your idea. This is a very detailed table from the shells to the beautiful candle holders! Have a great week!

Love the images of the sun streaming in across your neutrals. The silver and white with all the textures of the neutrals makes for a lovely table. I envy you the space to have a table in the foyer. Clever of you to change out the chairs.

Jenna, using texture instead of color was a wonderful idea and you executed it so well! I love those wooden chargers–I almost used mine today but I use them too often! And I always love shells so your table is just the kind I like. Very nice! Linda

Oh my goodness!!! I had to slow down and scroll through your pictures slowly to take it all in because i love it so…this is just my style and I am pinning it for future reference…just gorgeous..love the way you used those chargers on the diagonal.I will be doing that soon..Really, Jenna..I just love this table…..and I will be writing about mayhaw jelly soon…
Love, Mona

Hi Jenna – I made a commitment to look at EVERY tablescape for this challenge and I was so excited to click on yours… knowing it would nothing less than spectacular. And it was and more so. I love the metallic neutrals and it was an elegance that a little country gal like me would still feel comfortable joining you at the table. BTW… what’s for dinner? Hugs, Holly @ coconutheadsurvivalguide

Well now, that’s just about the nicest comment I could ever receive Holly, I was very uncomfortable not using color! I really appreciate your nice feed back, and I too am much more comfortable at a relaxed table! We kept things simple for dinner, steak, potatoes and salad!, not elegant but certainly always delicious! Thanks so much!

Painte Apron,
I am swooning over the silver and white combination
for Let There Be White Challenge, dear one! Exquisite!!!
The contrast of the dark wood is breathtaking!
Thank you for your kind visit and sweet comment!
Fondly,
Pat

I really like the idea of swapping out the chairs. I’ll have to try that with the wrought iron ones from the backyard. I also love using color on my tables, but your neutral look was great.
Hugs,
Dawna

As usual, it’s gorgeous! Thank you for sharing. You will be one of the features tomorrow at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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